Tactical Oilfield Products, Inc. (TOP) is pleased to announce their acquisition of The Sole Exclusive License to United States Patent No. 6,518,224 by Robert Wood (the ‘224 Patent).
From the patent release:
RE: Announcement of the 6,518,224 Drilling Fluids patent exclusive license Tactical Oilfield Products, Inc. (TOP) is pleased to announce their acquisition of The Sole Exclusive License to United States Patent No. 6,518,224 by Robert Wood (the ‘224 Patent). Mr. Wood is well known as an innovator in the drilling additive industry. The ‘224 patent is considered by experts in the field to be the foundational technology related to the use of crumb rubber as a drilling fluid additive. This acquisition means that TOP is now the sole legitimate source of fine-ground crumb rubber drilling additives for oil-based muds. TOP considers its exclusive license to the ‘224 Patent as one of its most valuable assets and as a representation of TOP’s commitment to strong values in the drilling community. TOP looks forward to benefitting current and future clients through innovative implementation of this newly acquired technology.
The Robert Wood Patent is a novel drilling fluid additive comprised of particles of elastomer which are capable of swelling upon contact with hydrocarbon fluid. Essentially, this technology and method saves drillers money by preventing drilling fluid loss. It increases the safety of the drilling crew, decreases wear and tear on machinery and tools, and increases a driller’s chance to hit black gold at minimal cost. This fluid additive works by adding elastomer particles to drilling fluid which then form a seal in a lost circulation zone by expanding in size to seal fractures, fissures, and a variety of formations drilled. This elastomer additive is superior when compared to others because its fine nature allows for easy pumping, and swells 80% to 140% more than its original size when exposed to hydrocarbon fluids. The elastomer’s ability to swell makes the elastomer particles extremely effective at preventing loss of drilling fluid into formations. The elastomer is also superior to others because of its gradual rate of expansion. Most of the swelling occurs after the elastomer particles are in the desired location in the
well which eliminates the need for expensive protective coatings or an aqueous pill.While innovating to meet the world’s energy needs, TOP is also environmentally minded. This technology presents little, if any, industrial hazards. Moreover, since the preferred source of the
patented technology is recycled tires, the TOP elastomer presents a way to effectively use old tire materials rather than allowing them to collect in a dump.
For a PDF of the patent release please click here.